How much would it cost to start tarmac rallying?...
Discussion
I was recently at Croft Racing circuit watching tarmac rallying and i thought to myself "That looks like good fun" then came "How much would that cost?".
How much would it cost to but a rally car (prepared - anything would do), Get spares, get a van with a trailer or pick-up, get all the equipment, what it costs to enter each race, what the necessary licences would cost and can it be done for £10 000
How much would it cost to but a rally car (prepared - anything would do), Get spares, get a van with a trailer or pick-up, get all the equipment, what it costs to enter each race, what the necessary licences would cost and can it be done for £10 000
It can be easily done for £10k. However it all depends on how seriously you want to take it, and how much work you can do yourself. Buying a ready prepared car will work out much cheaper than starting from scratch. You don't really need a van at club level, a cheap estate car will do (with a roof rack for wheels & tyres). In theory, you could even drive the rally car to and from events, as long as you are confident of not smashing it (or have a contingency plan to get you home). Entry costs vary event-to-event but usually around the £500 mark. Add to that petrol (including for the barge) and a couple of tyres. A single venue tarmac rally shouldn't really be any more damaging to the car than a track day. Just rope in a few mates to help with the servicing - usually no more than checking levels and cleaning windows (touch wood), and find a navigator, preferrably someone with some experience for your first few events. If you can find a navigator willing to help with expenses then even better (in my experience nav pays for entry fee and petrol, driver pays everything else).
Go to a few more rallies, (the Scottish Tarmac Rally Championship runs some great events) and talk to people competing, they're usually a friendly bunch (dare I say more friendly than racers). Join a motorsport club too and go along to a few meetings, you'll need to be a member of an affiliated club for most events.
Have a look at http://www.msauk.org/custom/asp/home/default.asp for info on licenses and clubs.
Go to a few more rallies, (the Scottish Tarmac Rally Championship runs some great events) and talk to people competing, they're usually a friendly bunch (dare I say more friendly than racers). Join a motorsport club too and go along to a few meetings, you'll need to be a member of an affiliated club for most events.
Have a look at http://www.msauk.org/custom/asp/home/default.asp for info on licenses and clubs.
Thanks thats great information 
but £500 a race (eesh). It would be good if i found a wiling co-driver to pay it. As for the car i was looking at a Vauxhall Chevette but it would take up a big majority of the budget or a Pug 205 that would be minimal cost. It was just an idea but i ain't sure the girlfriend will be too pleased because we've got bills to pay or some silly excuse like that!
but £500 a race (eesh). It would be good if i found a wiling co-driver to pay it. As for the car i was looking at a Vauxhall Chevette but it would take up a big majority of the budget or a Pug 205 that would be minimal cost. It was just an idea but i ain't sure the girlfriend will be too pleased because we've got bills to pay or some silly excuse like that!single venue rallies tend to be around the £200 mark to enter, £500 is forest.
it is definately better to buy a prepared car, but you should still give it a thorough check over, even if it's just making sure nuts and bolts are free. see what cars are on the market and ask advice on each one, specialist websites are good for checking on running costs.
a mate bought a tatty 106 for under £2000 and in 2 seasons has won something like 6 class awards and 2 dnf's, it's basically standard with safety kit.
a chevette is fun but a lot depends on the spec of the car, chevettes.com has a few competitors.
you will need overalls and helmet and do a drivers course to get your license. you can service yourself and can get by without a service vehicle, but there is the risk of terminally breaking the car.
it is definately better to buy a prepared car, but you should still give it a thorough check over, even if it's just making sure nuts and bolts are free. see what cars are on the market and ask advice on each one, specialist websites are good for checking on running costs.
a mate bought a tatty 106 for under £2000 and in 2 seasons has won something like 6 class awards and 2 dnf's, it's basically standard with safety kit.
a chevette is fun but a lot depends on the spec of the car, chevettes.com has a few competitors.
you will need overalls and helmet and do a drivers course to get your license. you can service yourself and can get by without a service vehicle, but there is the risk of terminally breaking the car.
GolfEcosse said:
Is it really pathetic that i'm not allowed to do it cause my girlfriend isn't letting me?
Sadly, that appears to be standard.GolfEcosse said:
It's probably best, debts to pay and such (plus i aint wanting to get the cold-shoulder!!!)
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